Early morning, before dawn had fully broken, Damian left Seraphina's house quietly.
Both women were still sleeping. Ariana finally resting peacefully for the first time since the attack, Seraphina sprawled across her bed in her usual chaotic manner.
He didn't disturb them.
The campus was completely empty at this hour, the sky above filled with dark, heavy clouds that promised rain. The air felt thick, oppressive, like the world itself was holding its breath.
Damian walked slowly through the deserted pathways, his hands in his pockets, his mind unusually quiet after the violence of the previous night.
His watch buzzed with notifications.
He pulled up the holographic display and saw the Mafia group chat that Edrin had created for communication among members.
The messages were filled with concern about Ariana's whereabouts.
Edrin: Has anyone seen Ariana? She separated from us yesterday to buy a katana and never came back.
